BATON ROUGE (June 14, 2010) - Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Secretary Robert Barham announced the following opening to recreational and commercial fishing in portions of inside waters east and west of the Mississippi River in Plaquemines Parish effective immediately, today June 14. The area was originally closed as a precautionary measure. The most recent information from shoreline cleanup assessment teams indicates no oil in these areas.

Inside Waters West of Mississippi River
The portion of state inside waters north of the inside/outside shrimp line west of the Mississippi River from the southern shore of Red Pass at 89 degrees 28 minutes 13.4 seconds west longitude westward to 89 degrees 30 minutes 12 seconds west longitude near Sandy Point.

Inside Waters East of Mississippi River
The portion of state inside waters inshore of the inside/outside shrimp line located south and east of the eastern shore of Baptiste Collette Bayou eastward to the eastern shore of Main Pass.

Territorial Sea East of Mississippi River
The portion of state outside waters east of the Mississippi River seaward of the inside/outside shrimp line west of 89 degrees 11 minutes 21 seconds west longitude and south of 29 degrees 21 minutes 32.7 seconds north latitude.

Precautionary closures of recreational and commercial fishing have been implemented based on the best information the Secretary of the Department receives from field biologists, staff and trajectory models from NOAA.

Once reports of oil are received, LDWF initiates a field survey and immediate seafood testing in the suspected areas. Closures are subsequently made with the intent to be as safe as possible, while not closing any fishing areas unnecessarily. As test results come back clearing the area, effected waters are then reopened.

LDWF continues to work closely with DHH in an effort to assess all opportunities to resume normal fishing activities on Louisiana's coast and guarantee the safety of Louisiana's seafood.